Eikehof

I love winefarms and I'm fortunate to live in an area that's spoilt with an unlimited number of choices. So much wine, so little time - my first world problem! Another one that has recently popped up on the list is, Eikehof.



Welcome to Eikehof

Situated in Franschoek, this family run farm has been handled with care, since 1903 by four generations. Winemaker Francois Malherbe and his wife Elize are very hands on and invested in their business. Francois will swing by the tasting room and tell you about their wines. Info straight from the horses mouth! They produce seven wines with the Rosé being their current new gem. Wine prices range between R50-R85. If you do the tasting it's only R30.

The beautiful Eikehof surroundings

They are also part of the awesome Franschoek Wine Tram that I've previously blogged about. They are situated on the red line. If you visit them through this you will receive a complimentary welcome drink and the tasting would be R30. You can also purchase delicious cheese and fruit platters to share for R140.



A large lawn for you to relax on!

 If you don't have plans for Valentines day yet, don't worry, I've got you sorted! If you are single, don't worry, they have wine! Eikehof is hosting their first ever Valentines Picnic! Come visit them as a couple, a group of friends or even alone. No discrimination! You will relax on their beautiful lawn underneath large Oak trees and will struggle to find a more relaxed environment.

For R160 pp you will receive the following

• A gourmet ciabatta filled with basil pesto, mozzarella and tomato
• Sweet chilli chicken kebab
• Fruit skewers
• Selection of meat and cheeses served with biscuits
• Strawberry red velvet cupcakes
• Bottle of wine shared between two (Rose or Sauvignon Blanc)



Some of the picnic selection

Engagements have been booming in my social circle. My bestie is also getting married so I am confronted with daily wedding to do's. Eikehof  is also an excellent venue to consider if you are looking! Contact them directly to enquire about their packages. What I've heard is that they are really affordable considering that they are situated in one of the coveted wedding areas.




Say 'I do'

Eikehof is definitely where you would have found me next weekend if I did not have to slave away behind the books to pass my psychiatry exam. Please drink a glass on me :) If you visit Eikehof you are ensured of a intimate and down to earth experience!

Bookings for the Valentine picnic are essential

Contact them eikehof@mweb.co.za or 021 876 2469
For more information visit their website
Like them on Facebook

Pictures have been supplied by Eikehof.

Picnic at Hartenberg Estate

I was first exposed to Hartenberg wine estate when I enjoyed a bottle of their Shiraz while dining at The Test Kitchen. It really was an exquisite wine so I was very excited to go to its place of origin.
 

Perfect weather for a picnic

 

Relaxing Saturday on Hartenbergs' lawn

 
It was a very hot day. One of those where a picnic outside could end in an exhausted puddle of sweat. Luckily at Hartenberg you wine and dine underneath large oak trees. What I loved was that you have the option to either sit at a table or lounge on picnic blankets and cushions. We initially sat at the table but after a few sips of our refreshing Hartenberg Sauvignon Blanc we parked ourselves on the cushions for the entire afternoon. Hartenberg was very busy which contributed to an awesome vibe but they space you on the lawn so that no one intrudes your company.
 

In the beginning ...

 

After 5 minutes ... comfort!

 
The picnic will cost you R175 pp and the basket is shared between two people. It includes a bottle of wine and you can choose from the following
 

• Riesling
• Chardonnay
• Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz
• Doorkeeper shiraz
• Sauvignon Blanc

We chose the Sauvignon Blanc so it was a proper afternoon of Sauvignon showers! At the end of the picnic we wanted to enjoy the delicious Shiraz we had at The Test Kitchen and by mistake we ordered the Doorkeeper Shiraz and not the Hartenberg Shiraz. Well it wasn't a mistake as the "cheaper" version also delivered 100% and I will keep him in mind during tough months :)
 

The wine!

 
Now lets get to the good stuff, the food. The picnic basket was packed with goodies. The boyfriend and I only managed to finish half of it. They really spoil you with quantity and variety and I can confirm that they offer one of the more affordable picnics in the wine-lands. Usually you will pay between R300-R400 for picnic basket without wine so that culinary trip can become very expensive.
 
Our basket contained the following

• 2 x baguettes
• Snoek pate
• Pesto Hummus
• A selection of cheeses
• A selection of chacuterie
• Bocconcinis( which are small balls of mozzarella cheese), tomatoes and basil salad
• Baby potatoes, fine beans and wholegrain mustard salad
• Caramelised onion and goats cheese tartlets
• Meaty terrine
• Preserved figs and meringue

Everything was delicious but my favourites were the snoek pate and cheese tartlets. The selection of chacuterie was also really impressive. The one thing that did not impress me was the preserved figs and meringue. The meringues were soft and squashed and not my ideal dessert option. They should rather stick to something like a chocolate brownie.
 


The yummy basket



Some of the delicious goodies!

 
While you are wining and dining you can make room for some more by playing some of the garden games. You can choose between croquet, boules and jenga!
 

The boys playing some boules



Fancy a game of croquet?



Hartenberg also offers wine-tasting, wine and canapé pairings as well as lazy bistro lunches underneath their veranda. I will pop in again to try all of that!

 

The lawn bustling with people

A tucked away corner for couples..

They have vegetarian and halaal options available. All picnics should  be booked  at least 24 hours in advance. They also cater for children under 12 at R65 per child.
 
Hartenberg provides you with a delicious picnic, in a very relaxed atmosphere, that is affordable. You can enjoy it as a couple, family or a group of friends and you will leave as happy customers. They are definitely on top of my picnic recommendation list.
 
Book your spot now! You can't say you've enjoyed summer without at least going to one picnic!
 
Contact them at 021 865 2541 or info@hartenbergestate.com
For more information visit their website
Like them on Facebook
Tweet them @HartenbergWine
Located :  33° 52' 44.94" S | 18° 47' 32.73" E

Directions to Hartenberg

 

Events during the silly season in Hermanus and the surrounds!

It's 29 days until Christmas ! Can you believe how quickly another year has sped past us. If you are heading to Hermanus this year there are a lot of activities to keep yourself busy and if you don't have anything to do wherever you are... then come to Hermanus :)
 
Here is a list of events. I will update it as I scout and hear of more! I also have a giveaway at the end of the post :)
 
Hermanuspietersfontein

I popped in at Hermanuspietersfontein(HPF) yesterday to buy a bottle of their Posmeester which is  a Bordeaux style blend that I love. It's an easy drinking red wine perfect to enjoy at a braai or at a relaxed dinner with friends. I can't wait to open my bottle this weekend!

A little birdie then told me that HPF will be very busy this 'silly season' with a lot of events!

They have erected a massive tent over their 'markie' area so come rain or shine you can enjoy your Saturday market in comfort. Good news also is that the 17th of December they will host a night market! You will be treated to live music, delicious food and lots of merry wine. I will definitely be there!

Other events that you should diarise are

• 3rd & 10th December: Midweek wine and tapas from 17:00-19:00
• 16th December: Dinner with Barefoot Bella in the Cellar who will travel all the way from Langebaan to spoil you for only R450 pp . Only 40 spots are available so book ASAP(details below)
• 19th December: Dinner with Eat Greek's Nikki in the Cellar who will spoil you with 'local is lekker' food at only R350pp. Only 40 spots available.
• 20th December: The Tributes and Shadow Band will take you back to the 50's, 60's and 70's. It's R110pp and you can bring your own picnic basket. Wine you can buy at HPF! You can also order a picnic basket when you buy your ticket if it's more convenient for you. You can arrive from 18:00. Only 200 spots available. I have two tickets to give away. Read all about it below.
• 23rd December: Black Tie Braai event is where the HPF skapie will give back with a wine auction where 100% of the proceedings will go to the Sondagskoolfonds. This charity provides technology for 5-8 year olds from the local community to facilitate their reading and writing skills. Wine and canapés will be provided at R200 pp. Only 200 seats are available.
• 27th December: Tribal Echo live in Skapie's Yard. This will be the 4th year that this event will take place. At R100 pp you can join the tradition. You can bring your own picnic basket or order one when you book your tickets. HPF wine will be sold at the event. Naturally :)
• 30 th December: Eet Italiaans in die kelder is a three course meal that will tantalise the tastebuds. For R350 pp only 40 people will be lucky enough to enjoy this treat.
• 31st December: Don't have NYE plans yet? If you want to you can 'dans in die nuwe jaar met die skapie!' A lot of food, wine and bubbles will be available for you to party into 2015 at R450pp from 19:00-02:00.  A live DJ will make sure that no wallflowers are present at the party.
• Every Saturday: The HPF market from 09:00-13:00 come rain or shine. Freshly baked breads, chacuterie and more can be enjoyed by all.

For tickets you can contact Anika at anika@hpf1855.co.za
For more information visit HPF's website
Tweet them @hpf1855
Like them on Facebook
Instagram them at hpf_skapie


The Color run in Hermanus

Yes you read that correctly. The Colour Run is coming to Hermanus. I am one of the few that have not done the colour run at all so I am super excited to take part in this event the 27th of December. It is said to be the happiest 5 km of your life! I am definitely down for that. The event will start at the Hermanus High school at 15:00. It's R220 pp and the ticket includes the following

• Official Color run tshirt
• Color run sweatband
• 1 bag of Color powder
• 1 Temporary happy tattoo
• Race number
• Entry to the finish festival

You can buy your tickets online or at The Burgundy restaurant, The Eatery or Vodacom Shop in Hermanus. See you there!

For more information visit this website
Like them on Facebook
Tweet them @TheColorRunSA


Gabrielskloof

One of my favourite wine farms in the Overberg area is Gabrielskloof and they also host their annual 'Favourite things Market'  the 12th&13th of December. The festivities will kick off at 17:00 the Friday afternoon and you will be treated to home-made crafts, food and refreshing wine. This is an event not to be missed. I attended the market two years ago where I spent the entire Saturday feasting of fresh food and sipping on too many glasses of wine. One tip: don't forget the sunscreen as I learned the hard way :)

For more information visit their website
Tweet them @Gabrielskloof
Like them on Facebook and RSVP to the event here

Hermanus Country Market
 
This family orientated market runs every Saturday 09:00-13:00 at the Hermanus cricket field. They have a variety of  fresh produce, home made delicacies, crafts,  wine and more. This is also a child friendly market with a jungle gym and other activities to keep the little ones busy.

The Summer Night market will be Wednesday evenings on the 10th, 17th and 31st of December as well as the 7th and 14th of January.

There also is a Camphill Farm market the 16th of December from 09:00-13:00 where all the proceeds will go to the Camphill Farm Community.

 

For more information visit their website
Tweet them @HermanusMarket
Like them on Facebook

First Fridays Artwalk

Twelve art galleries in Hermanus remain open until 21:00 the 5th of December so that art lovers can join in on a marathon of art appreciation. Wine and small bites are on sale as you travel from one gallery to the next. Below is a map so that you can plan your visit!

 

Like them on Facebook to see how awesome the previous artwalk was as well as stay updated with the upcoming event!

Stanford Sunset Market and Saturday morning market

 Every last Friday of the month can be enjoyed by attending the Stanford Sunset Market. This will take place the 28th of November and 26th of December at the Stanford Village green from 18:00-20:00.
 

 

Every Saturday morning the town of Stanford comes to life with their morning market where fresh produce and home-made goodies are sold at great prices. One of my favourites is Havercroft's fudge! The market runs from 09:30-12:00 so you can sleep in a bit before you venture out! You will find the market at the Stanford Hotel veranda. Enjoy!

For more information visit the official Stanford website
Tweet them @visitstanford
Like them on Facebook 
 
GOOD NEWS! You can win two tickets to the Tribute show at Hermanuspietersfontein the 20th of December. Here is how you enter

• Share this post on Facebook and comment on my blog or my Facebook page what your favourite 50's, 60's or 70's song is.

or/and

• Share this post on Twitter and add the following: @LoveHeartsFood I love the oldies #HPFskapie

If you share on Twitter and Facebook you will receive two entries so your chance of winning will be increased :) The winner will be selected by a random number generator and announced the 5th of December. Competition closes the 4th of December at 00:00.

Good luck and I hope you are planning a fantastic holiday!

The Eatery Deli is now open!

Welcome to The Eatery Deli

One of my favourite places  to eat in Hermanus is The Eatery and they've now opened a stand alone Deli! Yay!


My final year and a half of Medicine started in August and for three months there was no time for me to visit home. This was torture! So when my holiday recently started one of my essential things to do was to visit The Eatery. When I arrived it was the day their Deli also opened! Double score! Double treats!

Fresh produce greets you at the door!

Why do I love them so much? They are affordable, they deliver every time and the atmosphere is relaxed and homey. One of my favourite things to order is 'eggs and soldiers' and they even succeed to make this simple dish something exciting and delicious.

The Deli is situated across from the restaurant where you can buy freshly baked pastries, pies, cakes, cookies, preserves and more.


Rustic inviting space

They day I visited they were busy making chocolate chip cookies in the oven! Heaven! Goodbye December bikini body...



The aromas will make you buy way more than what you planned for!

I am definitely going to utilise The Eatery Deli when I plan picnics for December holiday. You can even purchase a basket there. The Eatery Deli has also supplied numerous evening meals for my mom and I. My favourite is their chickpea salad and aubergine bake. Oh and we also managed to finish an entire apple crumble pie in one day. Oops :) yet so worth it!!!

So do stop by to enjoy the deliciousness the deli has to offer. They are well priced, well stocked and won't disappoint. It's also an ideal place to shop for gifts for your loved ones!

Here are some pictures of all the lovely goodies you can buy...



Cookies, rusks, brownies, meringue, fudge...

 


Bread, croissants, jams...

 


Buy and bake your own cookies!

 


Vanilla flavoured sugar!

 


Spoil someone with some beautiful flowers

 


Yogurt, lasagne, aubergine bake, salads ect

 


Klapper ys, fudge and Turkish delight! Perfect treat to eat in the car on you way home :)

 


Chocolaty brownies 

 


Pies, quiche and sandwiches

Click here to read my post I wrote when The Eatery initially opened. Since then the restaurant has doubled in size and they still manage to deliver. As it's essential to visit the whales when you come to Hermanus, it is as essential to spoil your tastebuds at The Eatery!


Visit them at 4 Long Street Arcade, Hermanus
Open Monday-Saturday 07:00-16:00
Like them on Facebook

The Rumbullion at The Roundhouse

 I have always known about The Roundhouse but never made any active plans to visit them. A friend recently did and said she was very impressed as they have a great outside dining spot called The Rumbullion. As the weekend provided us with perfect weather again I decided to seize the day and enjoy a wine filled afternoon with friends.

In the secret garden..

Rumbullion is an English term that means 'a really good time'. The restaurant does live up to it's name. It's tucked away in the Campsbay forest, provides live music and a great atmosphere that will ensure you have 'a really good time.'

There are various areas you  can relax at. Enjoy a picnic in the secret garden, or sit at the picnic tables underneath big umbrellas and enjoy the beautifull view of the Atlantic ocean

Just look at that view!

You order all your drinks and food with a 'tick sheet'. They have a tapas, bread and cheese that you can use to compile your own picnic basket or order some pizzas, burgers(R95), fish&chips(R95) and other items that are already made for you.

Saturday is wine day!

Next to the tables are picnic baskets filled with all the cutlery and plates that you need.We shared some pizzas. They were delicious yet not worth R98 each. Next time I will rather go for some tapas. The Rumbullion is an ideal spot for some snacks and drinks.

Add caption

They serve soft drinks, cocktails, craft beers, sparkling wine and wine. We enjoyed some refreshing white wine(R85) yet the jug of pimms almost won me over.



Unfortunately The Rumbillion is only open until the 30th April when their summer season ends. The official Roundhouse restaurant however is still open and serves a four course for R595.

Cape Tonians relaxing

 

So rush over to The Rumbullion these last two weeks before they close as it's the perfect spot to enjoy the great weather we are experiencing! Booking is essential! You won't be disappointed.

*** They are currently running a special where you can order two pizzas and two bottles of wine for R330 from 16:00 ***

Opening Hours
The Roundhouse:
Dinner (Tuesday – Saturday 18h00 until close)
Lunch (Wednesday – Saturday 12h00 - 14h30 and Sunday 12h00 - 15h00 from 1 May – 30 September only)

The Rumbillion Lawns (Summer Season only from 1 October - 30 April):
Lunch (Tuesday - Sunday 12h00 - 16h00)
Breakfast (Friday - Sunday 09h00 - 11h30)
Pizzas & sundowners (Tuesday - Saturday 16h00 - sunset and Sunday 16h00 - 18h00)

Contact them at 021 438 4347 or  info@theroundhouserestaurant.com
Visit them at Round House Road (off Kloof Road), The Glen, Camps Bay
Like them on Facebook
Tweet them @TheRoundhouseCT
Instagram THEROUNDHOUSECT

Cosecha at Noble Hill

 

I am on vacation! Yay :) So it was only appropriate for my weekend to be filled with new and exciting places. The boyfriend was very "oulik" to take me to  Cosecha at Noble Hill. It's situated next to Babylonstoren and is one of those undiscovered gems.

We arrived early for our lunch booking so we decided to do some wine-tasting first. A very kind and welcoming host directed us to a beautiful tasting room with a very cosy fireplace!
 
For R30 you can taste eight wines and the fee is wavered if you purchase a bottle of wine. I really enjoyed the Sauvignon Blanc,Chardonnay and Merlot. Usually a Chardonnay is very fruity but Noble Hills' one is "less oaked" which dampened the fruitiness for me and made it a very refreshing wine to drink. They launched their new Estate blend on Friday which consists of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Wine prices start from R55.
 
It's one of the most informative wine tastings I have been on as you receive an entire folder which describes the wine for you a page per wine. So if you don't know anything about wine you can bluff yourself through the tasting ;)

After the wine tasting we went to Cosecha restaurant. Cosecha in Spanish translates to harvest. They try and grow as much of the produce they use to prepare the dishes.  I could not wait to start indulging.
 
We sat outside on a beautiful terrace that was decorated with the iconic cactuses and a neutral colour pallet. I loved the one wall that was decorated with loads of plants mounted to the wall. In the distance there is a pond where you can take your glass of wine and relax on some deck chairs. The restaurant also caters for children and for R45 they organise a picnic basket for them  which they can enjoy on the lawn and run around freely.

The entrance

My favourite wall

 

Outside seating

The terrace

My favourite person :)

 

 

 
The majority of their menu consist of "bocaditos" which is small plates of food made to share. This is my favourite way of eating. You get to taste loads of dishes and there is a great social aspect to it. The bocaditos range from R34-R65.
 
We decided to try the following

• Antojitos: Mushroom Quesadilla (R46)
• Tostadas: Chorizo and grilled pepper tortillas (R56)
• Ceviche: Prawn and avo (R56)

Complimentary tortilla chips and chickpeas on arrival!

On top you have the mushroom quesadillas and on the bottom the tostadas.

In the right corner is the ceviche and below the pork sandwich.

 
My favourite was the mushroom quesadilla. They serve it with guacamole and cream cheese. There is a mild kick to it from the chilli that they add but the accompaniments smooth out the sting beautifully. The prawn and avo ceviche was not flavoured enough with the citrus fruit that you expect from the ceviche and the portion too small for what you pay for.
 
Next time I look forward to tasting the bacon wrapped medjool dates(R62), black bean soup served with cornbread(R48) and bacon and leak empanadas(R34).
 
According to the Eat Out magazine the pulled pork sandwich(R62) was a must-try so we opted to share a main course as well. The boyfriend enjoyed this and I had to surrender my portion :) Other mains to try are fish tacos(R72), beef enchiladas(R85)  or grilled calamari served with sweet potato cakes(R74). All the mains are under R95.

I would recommend that you stick to the bocaditos and try as many of them as you can! This place is ideal for a social afternoon with a big group of friends!
 
I enjoyed a glass of Sauvignon Blanc (R21) and the wine tasting convinced the boyfriend, who does not like Chardonnay(R32) at all, to enjoy a glass of that. As we just finished our food the waiters delivered a large jug of Sangria(R95) to the table next to us and we were so bummed as we did not spot that on the menu. It looked so refreshing and I think it will only add value to your Spanish experience :)

Cactuses everywhere

 

The relaxing atmosphere of the restaurant is also reflected in the service. They waiters are very friendly and welcoming. Food arrives briskly and a waiter is always around if you need one. It was an awesome treat to bump into one of our friends that work at Cosecha! Hello Kobus :)

 

Large lawn to relax on and spend some time at the pond. They offer picnic basket at R295 for two people.

Our bill, including service, was R300 and this has been one of the most affordable restaurants I have visited in the winelands. This is the ideal place to escape to when you are blessed with a sunny weekend! Add a jug of sangria and a group of friends and you will leave completely satisfied :)

 

 

Visit them every day of the week, excluding Tuesdays, 10:00 - 17:00 (They also serve breakfast!)

Located on the Klapmuts-Simondium road

For bookings visit their website

Follow them on twitter @noblehill